Why a Trampoline is Great for the Kids

There are no two ways about it – jumping on a trampoline is something most children find fun. It’s an activity or open-ended game they can power themselves and do in their own way, in their own time. It feels less like work or learning than other exercises, so kids are more likely to participate in it without prompting.

If your child gets other kids involved, it’s a terrific way for them to socialize as well. It can strengthen friendships through shared fun and keep children entertained while you get other things done. You may find it’s fun for you as well, whether you use it with your kids or on your own.

Many people wonder if trampolines are safe for kids. Thanks to design advancements on modern trampolines, the latest models offer safety features such as external netting and sturdy builds making trampolines safer for kids. Additionally, there are specific types made for smaller children, giving them an earlier start on their health and fitness journey. For a child of any age, trampolines provide an exercise opportunity that leads to strong and sound bodies. Jumping offers a workout for muscles but doesn’t stress joints with hard impact. Continued use of core muscle groups increases muscle tone and improves posture, which is crucial to overall physical fitness.

The rest of a child’s system enjoys benefits as well. The act of bouncing on items such as trampolines and bounce houses stimulates lymphatic circulation to create a more resilient immune system. The cardiovascular system improves because jumping elevates the heart rate in a healthy way. When using the trampoline outside in the backyard, there are added benefits to children’s bones because being in the sunlight improves vitamin D levels, which is key for bone strength.

Besides the physical benefits of jumping on a trampoline, there are many mental and emotional ones as well. The repetitive act of bouncing and the concentration it requires relieves stress, leaving kids feeling more at ease after use. The physical activity releases endorphins, which tell your brain to feel happier. In other words, bouncing makes you feel good.

Young children using a trampoline can build confidence. There’s no right or wrong way to use one, so this is a positive activity where they can’t fail. It’s also something they can do on their own without help, which promotes independence. The stimulation that it provides for special needs children that benefit from movement breaks throughout the day may also soothe bad moods and help reduce anxiety.

Since children wear themselves out while bouncing, using a trampoline may help them improve sleep health by helping them rest more soundly at night. More sleep leads to being fully awake in class and feeling more rested overall.

When it comes to purchasing a piece of outdoor play equipment, trampolines are an excellent long-term investment. They do not require refills, add-ons, or constant upkeep for use. After the initial expense, there’s nothing to refill or add on and upkeep is relatively low maintenance. Once you set it up you can enjoy years of outdoor entertainment without a subscription fee or rental cost.

It doesn’t stop being useful once your kids are no longer small, either. Whether your children are young or nearing adulthood, they can use a trampoline at various stages as they grow up. In addition, parents can also use trampolines as a form of low-impact exercise, to help with rehab after unrelated injuries and to play like a kid again just for fun.

To make shopping easier, it helps to know what to look for when buying a trampoline. First, consider where you’re going to set up your new toy. Measure the intended area in your backyard then narrow down your options to those that will fit. Depending on where you live, there might be neighborhood regulations on backyard structures, so be sure to check your homeowner’s association rules or city ordinances. If you live in regions that experience harsh winters, consider buying a trampoline that can be easily deconstructed and placed in storage until warm weather returns to extend the life of your equipment. Perhaps your outdoor living space is limited. In this case, consider a single-person indoor trampoline that can double as a versatile piece of exercise equipment.

The top priority of finding the right trampoline is making certain that it’s safe. Choose a trampoline with safety precautions and accessories such as netting and other safety gear. Remove items that could break or get in the way, such as overhead tree branches or nearby furniture, so that kids can bounce without causing excess worry. Another factor in deciding which trampoline to buy is how many people will be jumping at the same time. If you have multiple children, a trampoline that accommodates all of them would be helpful. For older kids and adults, you’ll want to select a trampoline with a larger diameter jumping mat that provides enough space to jump and bounce. After you decide on the trampoline that best fits your needs and budget, fun is just a jump away. Have a great time bouncing alone, with friends, or while getting in a workout.